Opposition distances itself from Premier's letter to UK
In the fiery letter leaked to the local press, Premier Fahie had complained to Baroness Sugg about the conduct of the outgoing controversial Governor, Mr Augustus J.U. Jaspert.
HMS Midway now in VI waters
The contention stemmed from a September 25, 2020, announcement by the Governor to have to a UK Navy Ship, the HMS Medway return to the Territory to assist with border security as well as announcing plans that go against the efforts and wishes of the elected Government to enhance border surveillance and security.
After the announcement, the Premier in the letter said the Governor’s decision was a derivative of intentions to bulldoze the government, hijack the Territory’s border security and in the process, injure the relationship between the Government and the VI People.
Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), speaking at a Press conference on September 30, 2020, called the Premier’s letter aggressive, derogative and confrontational.
Strained relationship highlighted – Hon Penn
He said it further “it speaks to the strained relationship,” between the UK and VI and further distanced himself from the letter, noting that the Opposition was not consulted.
“It is something that we do not support, we weren’t purview to discussions the Premier had on the national security, but all of the sudden we are dragged in the middle of a national security fight.
“The BVI is a democracy, the BVI is not an authoritarian regime, we are not a dictatorship,” Hon Penn further declared.
He said it remains important for the Premier’s diplomatic letters to not appear as though he had the support of the people without first having a conversation with the people and a conversation with the Opposition.
VI must handle its own border security – Premier Fahie
Throughout the heated 1,700 word exchange between the Premier and Baroness Sugg and copied to all HoA members, the Premier had reiterated the need for the VI to manage its own border security issues.
“The facts are that the Government of the Virgin Islands and our local teams from across the various Ministries and Departments have been performing admirably in containing and managing the spread of COVID-19 in the BVI,” Premier Fahie said.
He; however, made no mention of the Opposition in the letter.
Governor did the right thing – Hon Fraser
Senior Opposition Member, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3); however, agreed with the Governor for bringing the Navy Ship as part of his constitutional responsibilities, and given past instances of human smuggling while VI borders were closed as a result of COVID-19.
“You can’t be surprised that the Governor is about to take measures, and the Governor should have done this, it is his responsibility…. I don’t know why he allowed it [human smuggling] to get to this point,” Hon Fraser said.
VINO will bring more information on the Opposition Press Conference.
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13 Responses to “Opposition distances itself from Premier's letter to UK”
NEXT ELECTIONS WE NEED TO GET RID OF THESE HOUSE SLAVES!!!!!!
true but on top of it all,, he is nor has he ever been the brightest bulb.